Leadership

Thank you to our distinguished volunteers who serve on the American Cancer Society’s 2026 Lexington Cattle Baron’s Ball Committee. Their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to finishing the fight against cancer are instrumental to the continued success of our event.

Interested in joining our committee? Become a committee member today by contacting Richard Averitte at [email protected]

2026 Executive Board

Eddy Yang, MD, Executive Board Member

Eddy Yang, MD, PhD, is Chair of the Department of Radiation Medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He is a nationally recognized physician–scientist whose career integrates clinical excellence, translational research, and academic leadership. Dr. Yang specializes in the treatment of thoracic and head and neck cancers, with a research focus on DNA damage response, tumor biology, and therapeutic resistance. His work has been supported by extramural funding and has contributed to advancing precision radiation therapy and combined-modality cancer treatment.

As Chair, Dr. Yang provides strategic leadership for clinical operations, research, and education within Radiation Medicine, fostering a collaborative environment that emphasizes innovation, mentorship, and patient-centered care. He is deeply committed to training the next generation of physicians and scientists and to expanding research opportunities for trainees and faculty. Through his leadership, the department continues to strengthen its clinical programs, scholarly output, and impact on cancer care across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Rebecca Earls-Durham, Executive Board Member

Rebecca A. Earls is an Administrative Assistant in the Division of Surgical Oncology at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, where she supports faculty and leadership through thoughtful coordination, organization, and relationship-centered work. Her professional life is grounded in service, compassion, and a deep respect for the people and communities she serves.

Rebecca is a cancer survivor whose personal journey has profoundly shaped her purpose and commitment to advocacy. Guided by her faith, she believes in showing up for others with humility, empathy, and hope—especially during life’s most difficult moments. Her firsthand experience gives her a unique perspective on the importance of patient support, access to care, and the critical role organizations like the American Cancer Society play for individuals and families facing cancer.

Community involvement is central to who Rebecca is. She is passionate about supporting initiatives that strengthen Kentucky families, improve access to resources, and create meaningful connections between healthcare, philanthropy, and community partners. Whether working behind the scenes or stepping forward to serve, she is driven by a desire to give back and to help ensure that no one walks the cancer journey alone.

Rebecca is honored to serve on the Executive Board of the American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, where she is committed to advancing the mission of the American Cancer Society and supporting efforts that provide hope, care, and tangible impact throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Joseph Kim, MD, FACS, Executive Board Member

Dr. Joseph Kim is a nationally respected surgical oncologist and academic physician leader specializing in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. He serves as Division Chief of Surgical Oncology at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and is a key clinical leader at the Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky’s only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Kim’s clinical expertise focuses on the surgical management of complex GI malignancies, including gastric, pancreatic, hepatobiliary, and colorectal cancers. He is widely recognized for his patient-centered approach, advanced surgical techniques, and commitment to multidisciplinary cancer care—working closely with medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, radiology, and supportive services to deliver individualized treatment plans.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Kim is a dedicated educator and mentor, actively involved in the training of medical students, residents, and fellows. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and frequently presents at regional, national, and international conferences, contributing to ongoing advancements in GI cancer care and outcomes research.

A strong advocate for collaboration and innovation, Dr. Kim plays a central role in program development, quality improvement, and community engagement initiatives aimed at improving cancer care access and outcomes across Kentucky and the surrounding region. His leadership extends to professional organizations and philanthropic efforts that support cancer research, patient services, and public awareness.

Dr. Kim is known among colleagues and patients alike for his integrity, approachability, and steady leadership, combining academic rigor with genuine compassion—qualities that continue to shape the growth and impact of surgical oncology at the University of Kentucky.